I’ve been reading a bunch of recaps on this game, and everyone is describing the U.S. team as a “force” or some other obligatory hyperbole.
Are you kidding me? Look through your afternoon buzz and realize that, aside from goalie Tim Howard, we looked capable at best.
I watched the game at a crowded pub in Agoura Hills, Calif., surrounded by seasoned English soccer enthusiasts and fledgling converts of the U.S. squad. Any budding energy on the U.S. side was instantly deflated in the fourth minute when England captain Steven Gerrard netted a goal inside the box. Things did not look good, but at least a goal early on is much easier to mitigate than one late into the game.
As the game drudged toward the half, I didn’t see anything that resembled a promising U.S. effort. England must of had control of the ball at least 80 percent of the time, continuing to make short passes and well-structured runs that kept the U.S. defense scrambling and Howard on his toes. When the U.S. finally snagged the ball it was all about sending it downfield for an ill-advised breakaway or improbable cross.
Our team looked directionless. Where was that touted counterattack that was supposedly our ace in the hole? If I were an England fan I would have felt fairly comfortable heading into halftime. The British squad had a stranglehold on the game, what with the dismal U.S. offense and its patchy defense.
But. But! Aha! Despite boasting an organized offense, England fans were already worried about the most important factor of a team’s defense: its goalie. Robert Green plays in the English Premier League but is known for having some of the most unfortunate hands; U.S. goalie Howard also plays in the EPL, but thankfully he’s with the Yanks and exudes leadership qualities that Green might never hold. In the 40th minute Green’s weaknesses shined as U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey lined a shot toward the opposing goalkeeper. Green knelt down for the manageable save, but fumbled the ball. As the sphere stumbled into the goal, Green collapsed mournfully along with Three Lions fans everywhere. Pikey’s Pub in Agoura Hills, however, came alive, and it was clear more U.S. fans had showed up to rally their team on their own soil.
By the second half, the idea of an “underdog” had left my mind. The U.S. goal was a gift from above (or a curse from below, depending on who you’re rooting for), but now we had two evenly-matched teams on the pitch. Both England and the U.S. created runs and pounded the net. Neither controlled the tempo, but fought for it. It was the finest half so far in the World Cup, and fans of both teams should be proud.
Yet, England will come out the curmudgeon as they were heavily favored. As for the U.S., this team at times played like 11 bashful opportunists, and that won’t fly at this level. If they expect to go deep into this tournament they need to replicate the play-making they exhibited in the second half.
Photo from fOTOGLIF
